Friday, February 10, 2012

One

One year ago I jumped in and made it happen. I started Bee. That is, after almost one whole year spent thinking about it. It hasn't been perfect. I've had many grand intentions yet to be brought to fruition (soon I always tell myself, and then life happens and time passes and I find myself again saying soon). I have a list of posts yet to be written. I'm still defining and refining this space. But I am happy with the humble start I've made here. Post after post of lessons I've learned and my journey as a mother and recipes and daily happenings and lots of things that probably don't matter, but I can look back and say that they are all things that matter to me.

As I write, many of these things are said for my children. I want them to have this record to look back at someday, to read some of the lessons I've learned so maybe they don't have to repeat them. To get to know me as a person instead of just as their mom (wasn't it a shocking realization when you saw your parents as people instead of just parents?!?). To read the things I felt were important and (hopefully) be able to say that it's nothing they didn't already know because how I lived showed them the importance of those same things.

I also write for you, my friends and family. Hopefully something I've said over the past year has helped you to be a little better. We're here to help each other learn and grow and progress, and this space has been one way I've tried to help those around me. I appreciate all of the comments and emails and feedback that have helped me to learn and inspired me to continue on this path.

As a small thank you, I'd like to have a little birthday giveaway. You all know my love for inspirational art. I include a piece with practically every post (unless I'm busy showing you pictures of my kids or things captured on my iphone or I'm too busy to post a picture at all). I'll be picking a lucky reader to send a pretty package with a few of my favorite prints. I'm still in the process of choosing what to send, but you can be sure that prints from Sarah Jane and The Wheatfield will be included in the mix. If you'd like to throw your name in the ring, tell me something about Bee- how you found your way here, a favorite post, something that's inspired you, or what keeps you coming back. I'll announce a winner next Friday.

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Happy Weekend, friends!
Mine will be spent continuing to nurse sick little boys who can't seem to shake this virus, making Valentine's for school celebrations next week, and hopefully not getting any more sick than this nagging cough that has already caught hold. Hope yours is full of relaxation and productivity and spreading some love.

Christina, you are an inspiration. Bee is just as you said it would be; a place where we come to feel inspired to be better people. I'm sure my husband gets sick of my "Christina said this" and "Christina is doing this" comments. But, I can't help it. You are a person that so many of us look up to.

Thanks for the amazing giveaway. I'm crossing my fingers; I've always wanted a little Sarah Jane in my home and The Wheatfield prints are adorable!

Thanks for the fun giveaway! I can't believe it's been a year already since I started following you. I found your from Hannah and Sherbet Blossom. I enjoy coming to your blog because, like you, I have hard days with my kids and its nice to see someone out there is having the same struggles and you give me inspiration to be a better mom!

C, I keep coming back to Bee because we're in similar stages in life and it's nice to get perspective from someone I can trust is always trying her very best to perform her duties as God would have her.

I actually learn more about you through your blog than I think I would have known otherwise. I love the times you share about the situation with your dad and how that has molded and shaped you and your family. Happy 1st Birthday!